JEDDAH: Sixty-eight drivers and navigators from more than 17 countries competed in the opening stage of the Jeddah Baja Toyota rally on Friday.
The first stage covered 395 kilometers, including 206 kilometers of timed special stage sections.
In the Ultimate B category, Yazeed Al-Rajhi and co-driver Timo Gottschalk topped the rankings in a time of 1 hour 48 minutes, 6 seconds, followed by Dania Akeel with 02:01:36 and Miroslav Zapletal on 02:02:28.
In the Ultimate category, Faris Almoshana led the field with a time of 02:21:22, ahead of Abdulaziz Alyaeesh (03:10:19) and Hussein Al-Lapid (03:37:39).
In the Stock category, Sufian Alomer took first place with a time of 02:27:18, with Khalaf Al-Shammari in second (02:48:11) and Majed Althunayyan third (03:18:40).
In the Challenger category, the top three were Hamad Al-Harbi (02:19:52), Saleh Alsaif (02:20:59) and Abdullah Alfahhad (02:29:14).
Top spot in the Side-by-Side category went to Hamza Bakhashab (02:02:42), followed by Maha Al-Hamali (02:11:34) and Mansour Al-Helei (02:12:42).
Teruhito Sugawara of Japan crossed the line first the Trucks category in a time of 02:20:52.
In the Motorbikes category, Abdul Halim Al-Mughirah was fastest with a time of 02:47:39, followed by Thomas Blackburn (02:50:15) and Abdulla Lanjawi (02:59:58).
In the Quads category, Hani Alnoumesi (02:52:03) led the way, ahead of Abdularahman Alabdullatif (03:53:31) and Merehin Albaz (05:01:11).
The second and final stage of the Jeddah Baja Toyota will take place on Saturday over a distance of 301 kilometers, including a 91 kilometer timed special stage.
The event is organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Jeddah Governorate, with support from official partners Jameel Motorsport and the Saudi Motorsport Marshals Club.
68 drivers get underway in first stage of Jeddah Baja Toyota rally
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68 drivers get underway in first stage of Jeddah Baja Toyota rally
- Opening day covers a total distance of 395 km, including 206 km of timed special stage sections
- Concluding stage will take place on Saturday over a distance of 301 km, including a 91 km timed special stage
Oracle Red Bull Racing signs global partnership deal with Damac
- UAE developer’s branding will appear on the RB22 car’s halo and side pods, as well as the driver kit, helmets, and race suits
DUBAI: Oracle Red Bull Racing has signed a global partnership deal with Damac Properties, the largest private real estate developer in the UAE and the Middle East.
The Formula 1 racing team is one of the most successful in motorsport history, with a driver lineup that features four-time world champion Max Verstappen alongside rising talent Isack Hadjar.
Damac Properties branding will appear on the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 car’s halo and side pods, as well as the team principle and driver team kit, helmets, and race suits.
Over the years, Damac has partnered with brands that include Roberto Cavalli, Paramount, and Chelsea Football Club.
Speaking about the announcement, Amira Sajwani, managing director of sales and development at Damac Properties, said the developer was proud to partner with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
“Formula 1 represents precision, innovation, and elite performance at the highest level, values that resonate deeply with our brand DNA. I truly believe that no real estate developer in the UAE has built a partnership portfolio as diverse and globally impactful as Damac’s, and this collaboration is a powerful testament to that journey,” Sajwani said.
Laurent Mekies, CEO and team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said that the partnership “will open avenues for stronger global engagement and create meaningful impact for both organizations.”
He added: “This partnership reflects our mindset as a business and our vision for the future.”
Ali Sajwani, managing director of operations, finance and hospitality at Damac, said: “Formula 1 has always been a passion of mine, and I deeply understand both the scale and global influence of this industry. At Damac, we are constantly seeking partnerships that are distinctive, powerful, and aligned with our ambition to be a trendsetter in the market.”
The announcement follows Damac’s global partnership with Chelsea Football Club, unveiled in April 2025, with the developer becoming the club’s front-of-jersey sponsor for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The collaboration also marked the launch of Chelsea Residences by Damac, the world’s first football-branded residential development, located in Dubai.
